Summer Programs for Underserved Students

The California State University is hosting two programs aimed at strengthening the academic preparation of underserved students to increase their likelihood of entering college.

The programs, being offered in June through the CSU African American Initiative, include training for education advisers and algebra for incoming and middle school students. In addition, a policy discussion will be held among top leaders of the CSU and pastors of African American congregations of Northern California.

California State University Chancellor Charles B. Reed, on May 6, signed a letter urging members of Congress to pass the federal DREAM Act this year.

The DREAM Act (Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act), which the CSU has consistently supported over the years, would grant six years of conditional permanent residency to undocumented students who arrived before the age of 16, lived here for five consecutive years prior to enactment of the law, and graduated from a U.S. high school or have been accepted into an institution of higher education.

Beneficiaries would also be eligible for student loans and federal work-study programs, but not for federal grant assistance such as Pell Grants.

After the 6th year, if certain conditions are met, students who have finished at least two years of college, or served at least two years in the military, could apply for permanent residence.

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan appointed this week CSU Dominguez Hills President Mildred García to the U.S. Committee on Measures of Student Success (CMSS).

Created under the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the 15-member committee will develop recommendations for two-year degree-granting institutions of higher education to comply with the graduation and completion rate disclosure requirements under the HEOA.

Commencement celebrations at six CSU campuses this year included a historic ceremony honoring Japanese American women and men whose college careers at California State University campuses were interrupted by internment during World War II.

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